about FRAN REINA
Fran Reina is an Italian underwater photographer based in Mexico. Her work blends the beauty of natural bodies of water with the human figure, capturing the ethereal, intimate connection between humans and underwater environments.
Fran’s artistic journey began in 2016 when she moved to Mexico and started working as a freelance diving photographer. This experience sharpened her technical skills and deepened her passion for capturing the beauty of underwater seascapes. Immersing herself in the cenotes of the Yucatán jungle sparked her desire to create dreamlike, otherworldly scenes that explore the connection between water and humanity.
Best known for her unique underwater artistic portraits, Fran emphasizes inclusivity, inviting individuals of all swimming abilities to experience weightlessness and self-expression in her timeless compositions. While freediving, she holds her breath to capture each shot without scuba gear, allowing her to move fluidly with her subjects and document genuine, unmanipulated moments. Her post-processing is minimal; she does not add elements digitally, ensuring that her images reflect the real underwater world.
Her deep understanding of human behavior in water allows her to guide subjects of any skill level into poses that may be challenging yet expressive. Through empathy and expertise, she helps her subjects embrace freedom, overcome fear, and express themselves underwater.
Her work has been published in Waterproof Magazine, Artells Magazine, and Artgo Magazine. She will exhibit her piece “The Fall of Gabriel” in the show Bodies of Water at 33 Contemporary Gallery Palm Beach Showroom and will also participate in photoMIAMI 2024 during Miami Art Week.
Events
photoMIAMI 2024
At the Miami Art Week Gallery, Wynwood
December 7 and 8, 2024
Miami Art Week Gallery 2300 N. Miami Avenue, Miami Florida 33127
Group show “Bodies of Water: Reflections on Water & Life”
At the 33 Contemporary Art Gallery
November 7 to December 27, 2024
Opening Reception: November 7 from 6 to 8 PM
Palm Beach Art and Design Showroom
500 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth, Florida
Work available for purchase in Palm Beach and online on Artsy
Solo online show “Sueños de Cenote”
November 15th- February 15th
Work available for purchase on Artsy,
presented by The Bureau of Queer Art and Allies
Artist Statement
I create underwater photography that blends the beauty of natural bodies of water with the human figure. My work captures unique and diverse underwater environments, highlighting the intimate connection between water and humanity.
The inspiration for my art comes from the serene beauty of nature. I’m driven by a desire to share the tranquility of the underwater realms that many never experience firsthand. When I’m submerged, the ability to move freely in every direction gives me a sense of suspended freedom, allowing me to capture the dynamic essence of this environment.
Empowerment is at the core of my work. Through empathy and my deep understanding of human behavior in water, I guide my subjects in overcoming their fears and embracing their authentic selves. Underwater, individuals can shed societal pressures, feel weightless, and discover a new sense of freedom in self-expression. My goal is to help them build self-esteem and experience a positive emotional transformation. By capturing the inherent beauty I see in each person, I aim to highlight their unique qualities and inspire them to fully embrace their potential.
For me, water represents a surreal tranquility, an escape from the chaos of the world and the busy mind. Through my photography, I invite viewers to step into this peaceful realm, to experience the ethereal suspension I feel, and to connect with the beauty of the natural underwater world.
Ultimately, I hope my work not only offers a glimpse into a hidden world but also inspires a deeper appreciation and a desire to protect our precious underwater environments..
